Chapter 35: Seven-Star Dou Shi
After Hun Xuzi's departure, Yao Yan didn't immediately summon Yao Nong to escort him back to the Realm of Pills to carry out his revenge.
His Dou Qi was on the verge of breaking through.
In fact, his energy had been sufficient for a breakthrough a month ago, but in order to do it under optimal conditions, he had deliberately held back. Only now, when he could suppress it no longer, did he prepare to break through.
He had always remembered the teachings of the elders from the Yao Clan's clan studies: before Dou Wang, all stages are part of one's foundational phase. Rather than rushing breakthroughs, it's more important to experience the changes in one's body and Dou Qi, as this is the process through which the body gradually harmonizes with Dou Qi.
As Dou Qi evolves from vapor to liquid, and then from liquid to solid, it eventually becomes an inseparable part of the body. Fully experiencing this transformation brings unimaginable benefits for future cultivation.
As for what those benefits might be, the elder never elaborated.
But Yao Yan suspected it was related to the nine transformations of the Dou Zun realm, as that phase also required compressing Dou Qi, echoing the process from earlier cultivation stages.
...
Yao Yan sat cross-legged on his meditation mat, palms forming seals, golden Illusionary Gold Flame swirling around him. With every breath, large amounts of natural energy surged toward him. Refined by the flame, the energy entered his body as pure essence, condensing into droplets that dripped into his Dou Qi vortex.
At this stage, the vortex could hardly be called that—it was more like a small lake. Parts of it had already crystallized into a slush-like mix of ice and water. Gaseous Dou Qi was completely gone.
Compared to ordinary Dou Shi, Yao Yan's Dou Qi was more than ten times denser.
His foundation was simply too solid. The accumulation of multiple Dou Di bloodlines had given him unimaginable talent and potential. Especially after refining his body, his widened meridians could accommodate and circulate even greater amounts of Dou Qi. This was why Mu Xiao had mistaken him for a Da Dou Shi.
Even though he had only cultivated a low-tier Yellow-Rank technique, Yao Yan's monstrous talent had forcefully elevated its energy conversion and condensation efficiency.
In truth, the technique had already fallen behind his progress. But Yao Yan valued it for one key trait—it could absorb spiritual energy to nourish the essence, Qi, and spirit. This was something other techniques lacked, and he had no intention of changing techniques before breaking through to Dou Wang.
Besides, if all went well, the technique he would eventually switch to was Flame Mantra—a technique that led directly to the realm of Dou Di.
Three Flowers Converging Flame Art was of the same rank and could be seamlessly converted into Flame Mantra without any obstacles.
In fact, he already had a few ideas in mind…
At this moment—
As Yao Yan's aura grew stronger, the ambient energy in the cave began to stir, turning into streams of vaporous essence flowing into him. His body absorbed it all like a bottomless pit. Once his aura reached a certain threshold, the surrounding energy abruptly stilled.
This eerie stillness lasted for several breaths before slowly dispersing as Yao Yan opened his eyes. A flicker of golden flame passed through his pupils, and the Illusionary Gold Flame on his body faded away.
"Seven-Star Dou Shi."
Yao Yan raised a fist and murmured to himself, his expression calm and neutral.
Such a minor breakthrough was hardly enough to stir his emotions.
Compared to the strength gained from the Indestructible Vajra Body, the increase from reaching Seven-Star Dou Shi was negligible. Moreover, the slow pace of cultivation was beginning to wear on him—it made him feel an urge to devour others to accelerate the process. But that impulse quickly faded. He wasn't so weak-willed that he'd fall to such temptation.
The temptation was much like money in his past life. How many youths could resist the indulgence that came with sudden wealth? Most who got rich young would end up squandering it—until their body gave out or the money ran dry. But the temptation of power was far more overwhelming than wealth.
Because this was the Dou Qi Continent—there were no laws or morals to restrain him. Power meant everything. With it, you could do whatever you wanted, indulge in any desire.
Ying ying~
A green blur flashed at the corner of his vision, and Yao Yan felt a slight weight land on his shoulder—Ling'er had appeared beside his ear.
Yao Yan reached up and patted her head, fingers brushing through her silky fur. It was hard to associate that soft sensation with a heavenly flame. Smiling, he took out a few essence pills and handed them to her. "Clean up a bit after this. I'm going to take you back to the place I once called home. If nothing goes wrong… it'll be the last time I ever return."
The small courtyard in Dan Ding City, within the Realm of Pills, had been his home for twelve years. It held countless memories—his first time cultivating, his first attempt at alchemy...
Ling'er didn't understand. Her little head tilted in confusion—she had no concept of what "home" meant. Instead, she simply gobbled up the pills from Yao Yan's hand and nuzzled against his head happily.
Watching the clueless Ling'er, Yao Yan's smile widened. With her around, life felt far less lonely.
Carrying the plump little glutton on his shoulder, Yao Yan began to tidy up the cave. He packed everything he needed into his storage ring. However, he also deliberately left behind many things—pills, maps, Dou Techniques—all items he no longer needed. He even left a precious five-tier Mi Ben Foundation-Forging Pill.
Maybe one day, some lucky person would stumble upon this place and turn their life around… That thought amused him.
Acting like a mysterious senior expert, Yao Yan carried Ling'er out of the waterfall. With a light leap, he landed on the shore and spoke toward the hidden Yao Nong, "We can return to the Realm of Pills now."
Shua—
As space rippled beside him, a figure appeared next to Yao Yan.
Startled by the sudden appearance, Ling'er immediately dove into Yao Yan's chest, her little head poking out timidly.
Yao Yan chuckled and patted her gently. Among all heavenly flames, she was probably the weakest and most cowardly. Even Fallen Heart Flame had a reputation for brutality and once injured a Dou Zun. The Flame of Living Beings, on the other hand, was almost infamous for being non-combative—even the original novel barely described it as a fighter.
"Young master, if you had waited any longer, this old servant would have had to remind you," Yao Nong said respectfully, standing nearby with a faint smile.
Compared to three years ago, Yao Yan had clearly earned his approval. Yao Yan's talent was worthy of being called "Young Master"—not just someone assigned to him by Hun Xuzi.
"Let's go. I'd like to see that place one last time," Yao Yan said softly, a hint of nostalgia in his gaze.
Yao Nong nodded. Dou Qi surged around him as he enveloped Yao Yan. Together with Ling'er, the three of them soared into the sky.
(END CHAPTER)
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